Explore Universal's Epic Universe - Now Open!

By Kate Cohen
June 11, 2025

 

At last, the long-awaited opening of Universal’s Epic Universe has arrived! 

As of May 22, 2025, Orlando’s newest theme park (the first to open in over 25 years) is welcoming guests from all over the world for exciting new adventures.  

 

The Epic Universe logo, a gold medallion against a starry night sky. Here is a rundown of what you'll find at Universal's Epic Universe.

 

Five unique and brand-new worlds await guests at Epic, brimming with vibrant imagination and innovative theme park technologies. 

Here’s a look at some of the magic and mystery waiting for you at Universal’s Epic Universe.  

 

Key Takeaways 

 

Celestial Park  

 

A wide shot of winding rivers and green grassy gardens leading up to turquoise domes and towers.
Celestial Park 

 

Celestial Park is putting the “park” back in “theme park.”  

As you enter Epic Universe, you’ll find yourself amidst lush green gardens, magnificent dancing fountains, and starry, ethereal decor.  

Celestial Park is also where you’ll find all four portals to Epic Universe’s other themed worlds.  

Located at the heart of the theme park, Celestial Park also has its own attractions, rides, and dining options that are worth exploring.  

 

Rides and Attractions 

 

Looping yellow roller coaster tracks and green walls wind around a large metal comet.
Stardust Racers

 

In Celestial Park, you’ll find Epic Universe’s most intense, thrill-packed roller coaster: Stardust Racers.  

This dueling 1.8 mile-long roller coaster reaches speeds of over 62 mph and heights of 133 feet.  

Two ride vehicles hurtle through the air on separate tracks with signature barrel rolls, inverted crisscrosses, and other interactive elements.  

At night, only the vehicles themselves are illuminated while the tracks stay dark, giving the illusion of comets shooting through the night sky.  

Constellation Carousel is the signature jewel of Celestial Park, a family-friendly ride unlike any carousel you’ve experienced.  

You’ll ride on the back of a unique celestial creature as you glide 360 degrees beneath a canopy of glowing constellations and lights, moving smoothly forwards and backwards. 

Throughout the park, you may encounter roaming statues, live bands, Celestial residents, and even artists and poets crafting one-of-a-kind souvenirs.  

 

Dining  

 

A bar with a blue layered ceiling made to look like underwater waves, complete with hanging bubbles.
Atlantic Restaurant

 

Celestial Park is home to over 15 dining experiences that range from full-service restaurants to quick service grab-and-go snacks.  

Atlantic Restaurant serves delicious fresh seafood in a setting inspired by a Victorian aquarium.  

With floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking peaceful water and ornate, colorful fish and bubbles hanging overhead, you’ll feel like you’re eating in an underwater exhibit.  

The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant invites guests to dine beneath constellations alongside neon dragons, enjoying a delicious menu of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes. 

 

The exterior of a restaurant with a large blue sign that reads Pizza Moon, with a smiling moon image and a slice of pizza in its eye.
Pizza Moon

 

Pizza Moon is a colorful, whimsical restaurant in Celestial Park inspired by the 1902 French film, Le Voyage dans la Lune.  

This quick service restaurant is serving up classic and unique wood-fired pizzas, baked pastas, and other delicious casual Italian fare.  

You can also enjoy classic pub fare at Meteor Astropub, savory barbecue and beer at The Oak & Star Tavern, and refreshing frozen treats at Frosty Moon, among other dining destinations. 

 

Don’t Miss 

 

A large hotel at night with glowing windows behind a beautiful blue-lit fountain.
Cosmos Fountain Show

 

Visiting Epic Universe on a particularly warm day? Be sure to check out Astronomica, a wet play area with playful fountains.  

If you happen to be in the park after dark, be sure to check out the Cosmos Fountain Show with choregraphed dancing water, beautiful lights, and perfectly paired music.  

 

How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk 

 

A large futuristic-looking arch at the front of a rock wall with a tall tower and a dragon emblem sitting on top.
Isle of Berk Portal

 

One of the most highly praised worlds in Epic Universe is How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, where dragons are friends, not foes.  

Humans and dragons live alongside one another in this immersive Viking world inspired by the Dreamworks film franchise, How to Train Your Dragon.  

In this incredible theme park area, you’re invited to meet friendly dragons and the quirky characters that love them, as well as embark on your own thrilling adventures.  

 

Rides and Attractions 

 

A roller coaster track with a long car of riders twists close to water as they glide through a whimsical Viking town.
Hiccup's Wing Gliders

 

Isle of Berk is home to a variety of family-friendly rides and experiences for adventurers of all ages and sizes.  

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a family thrill coaster that will have riders soaring over Berk as if they were flying on the back of a dragon.  

Riders will dip and twist their way through the sky, skimming across water and through craggy dragon nests.  

Another great thrill ride option in Isle of Berk is Dragon Racer’s Rally, a ride showcasing agility and acrobatics with dragon-riding simulators that swing riders 67 feet into the air. 

Fyre Drill is an interactive family-friendly boat ride where visitors aim onboard water cannons at targets and other boats floating by.  

Little ones will also love Viking Training Camp, an interactive play area with climbing towers, an agility course, Viking musical instruments, and much more to explore. 

 

Character Experiences 

 

A young brunette man in Viking attire pets the nose of a black, smiling dragon.
Hiccup and Toothless Meet-and-Greet

 

Isle of Berk’s character meet-and-greets are some of the most incredible experiences at Epic Universe.  

At Haddock Paddock, you can come face to face with the stars of the How to Train Your Dragon stories, Hiccup and his Night Fury dragon, Toothless, in an unforgettable encounter.  

As you roam through Berk, you can also meet Astrid and her dragon, Stormfly, charismatic twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and even sweet baby dragons looking to make new friends.  

At night, look to the skies for dragons soaring overhead.   

 

Dining  

 

A rustic looking dining hall with wooden picnic tables, hanging wooden chandeliers, and large red pillars with green wooden scales.
Mead Hall

 

Eat like a Viking while you’re in Berk!  

Head to Mead Hall, the village’s town gathering place for a feast in a majestic hall carved into a rocky mountainside.  

Rich in Viking culture and decor, the menu boasts hearty fare including meat, fish, sandwiches, and abundant platters to serve a small crowd (or one hungry Viking). 

Pair your meal with a refreshing beer or a mug of mead for an extra special Viking touch. 

Spit Fyre Grill is a quick-service spot serving flame-seared meals crafted by a dragon fry cook, and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel makes the perfect pit stop for a quick snack. 

 

Don’t Miss 

 

A large purple dragon with fiery red wings bellows on a dark stage.
The Untrainable Dragon

 

Give your feet a break and catch a performance of The Untrainable Dragon.  

Follow Toothless and Hiccup on a journey filled with epic music, beautiful technology, and of course, plenty of dragons.  

The highlight of the show is watching Hiccup and Toothless soar over the audience, experiencing the dragon’s 27-foot wingspan as he glides overhead. 

 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic  

 

An ornate archway with a tall column, at the top of which is a hand holding a wand.
Ministry of Magic Portal

 

The Ministry of Magic is Universal Orlando’s third Wizarding World of Harry Potter installment, in addition to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.  

This unique area is an homage to wizarding Paris in the 1920s, as well as a glimpse into the tension-filled Ministry of Magic in London circa the mid-1990s. 

With inspiration from the original Harry Potter series and the popular spin-off franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, this addition to Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not to be missed. 

 

Rides and Attractions 

 

A dark lobby with a wall of towering windows surrounded by black brick, a large gold statue in the middle of the room, and the image of a woman screaming on a banner beneath stormy skies.
Battle at the Ministry

 

The main ride in Epic Universe’s Wizarding World is Battle at the Ministry.  

Guests arrive at the Ministry of Magic in London by Floo Powder, entering the jaw-dropping queue line in a puff of green smoke and light through large marble fireplaces.  

The ride follows the story of the trial of former Hogwarts headmaster Dolores Umbridge, who, of course, does not go down without a fight.  

Board a magical elevator lift and join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Umbridge’s former house elf, Higgledy, as they battle Death Eaters and make sure Umbridge is brought to justice.  

 

A large mysterious beast with a man towers over a man in a red jacket, pointing a wand at the creature.
Le Cirque Arcanus

 

Back on the streets of Paris, you can catch a circus performance, Le Cirque Arcanus, featuring some of the most incredible magical creatures from the Fantastic Beasts universe.  

Breathtaking puppetry, stunning performances, and jaw-dropping special effects come together for a show centered around Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase.  

 

Character Experiences

 

A woman in long, fur-lined magenta robes and a coordinating hat shows a wand to a young girl in wizarding robes.
Cosme Acajor in her Wand Shop

 

There are several characters you may encounter while wandering the Parisian streets of Place Cachée.  

You may see exchange students from Hogwarts and Ilvermorny, as well as Beauxbatons students getting ready for another school year.  

Renowned wandmaker Cosme Acajor can also be found in and around her wand shop.  

There are also talking portraits and street musicians that add charm and ambience to the environment.  

 

Dining 

 

Guests dine at tables in a Parisian-inspired cafe with marble walls and ornate chandeliers.


Place Cachée is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious French meal at a charming restaurant like Café l’Air de la Sirène.  

This sweet quick-service café is known for its French cuisine, including boeuf Bourguignon, galette de tomates et fromage, and fabulous sandwiches on crusty baguettes. 

For dessert, splurge for the Bièrauberre (butterbeer) Crêpe, made with a shortbread cookie butter Bavarian cream, Bièrauberre cream, strawberries, and a crunchy cookie garnish. 

Café l’Air de la Sirène is also the perfect place for a refreshing beverage, including cold frozen butterbeer, lavender lemonade, or the Giggle Water cocktail, an elderflower prosecco spritz. 

At Le Gobelet Noir, you may find yourself bumping elbows with Dark witches and Wizards looking to enjoy a secluded meal.  

The menu at Le Gobelet Noir includes sandwiches, heart entrees like beef goulash and coq au vin, soups, salads, and more.  

Bar Moonshine is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a drink or two amidst Quidditch fans and Ministry of Magic employees.  

Looking for a quick sip? Grab a signature drink from the Bièrauberre Cart.  

 

Don’t Miss

 

Two women, one pointing a wand, stand in front of a store front with arched windows and light blue walls.
Wand interactions in Place Cachée


If you’ve visited one of Universal’s other Wizarding Worlds, you likely know about the interactive points throughout the park that come to life with a wave of your wand.  

At Epic Universe, you can use your wand to cast spells throughout Place Cachée, bringing fantastic beasts like Nifflers and Bowtruckles to life. 

Other enchanted objects and storefronts throughout this magical world are waiting for your special touch.  

If you don’t already have a wand, you can purchase one at Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, including the newest generation of wands with illumination and haptic vibration effects. 

 

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD  

 

A rainbow pathway leads into a colorful portal with various mushrooms and flowers emerging from pipes.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Portal

 

Walking through the portal to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD instantly immerses you in a world of color, nostalgia, and play.  

Since 1985, Nintendo games have been enchanting audiences around the world.  

Now, you can step into the universes of your favorite video games, including Mario Brothers and Donkey Kong.  

 

Rides 

 

Two men in Mario and Luigi sweatshirts smile as they drive a cart beneath bubble clouds.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge

 

Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge puts you behind the driver’s seat of a Mario Kart vehicle.  

Drivers don augmented reality goggles that enhance the ride environment to make you feel like you’re in a real-life Mario Kart race.  

A moving track and mapping technology take the ride to the next level as you race through scenes inspired by the video game.  

Yoshi’s Adventure is a sweet, simple ride that’s perfect for little ones. You’ll get some of the best views of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD from the back of a Yoshi as you encounter familiar characters and look for hidden colored eggs.  

Donkey Kong fans will love Mine-Cart Madness, created with innovative technology that makes your ride feel truly limitless.  

You’ll careen through the jungle, get blasted out of a barrel, and jump over gaps in the track for an experience that feels like something straight out of Donkey Kong.  

 

Character Experiences 

 

Marble steps leading down to a colorful world of mushrooms, blocks, pipes, and more.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

 

Get ready to come face to face with some of your favorite Nintendo characters for unforgettable photos.  

You’ll be able to say hello to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as you adventure through this colorful world.  

If you head over to Donkey Kong’s Treehouse, you’ll even be able to meet and grab a picture with the great ape himself.  

 

Dining

 

Diners enjoy sitting at cartoon-inspired tables beneath a round ceiling designed to resemble a toadstool.
Toadstool Cafe 

 

Toadstool Café offers a playful mushroom ambiance with colorful decor.  

Windows surrounding the room are actually screens overlooking a quaint toad village. Attacks from Bowser, stormy weather, and other adventures play out around you as you dine. 

Enjoy dishes like The Mario Burger, which comes topped with bacon, mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a brioche bun boasting Mario’s cap and a mustache.  

Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken sandwiches, and other classic casual fare are also available to order. 

Grab a tropical banana soft serve float from The Bubbly Barrel to cool off on a hot Florida day. 

 

Don’t Miss 

 

A display of colorful wrist bands inspired by Nintendo characters.
Power-Up Bands

 

Similarly to the Wizarding World’s interactive wand elements, you can explore a whole new level of fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with power-up bands.  

When you purchase a band, you can punch bricks and question blocks to uncover secret items, collect coins and mushrooms, and compete in challenges and games.    

While you don’t need a power up band to have a great time in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, it definitely adds a unique spin to experiencing everything the park has to offer.  

 

Dark Universe 
 

A creepy, craggy arched portal against a dark and stormy sky.
Dark Universe Portal

 

Universal Orlando already draws millions of spook-seeking visitors from around the world during its annual Halloween Horror Nights event.  

Now, horror fans and classic movie buffs can get their fill of fear year-round at Dark Universe.  

Here, monsters and legends roam the streets of Darkmoor, inviting curious friends to explore a realm of mystery and science.  

 

Rides 

 

A dark lake with a stone bridge in front of a large manor with creepy turrets and mossy trees.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

 

An eerie, spindly house – Frankenstein Manor – houses the largest ride in Dark Universe, Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.  

This ride tells the story of Victoria Frankenstein and her continuation of her family’s legacy with monstrous experiments.  

As you tour her manor and meet some of her creations, you’ll learn that the imprisoned Dracula has escaped, releasing a fury of evil forces.  

Curse of the Werewolf is a speedy, spinning attraction that sends riders spiraling through the air with a werewolf snapping at your heels, ready to bite. 

 

Character Experiences  

 

A violin player in a dark purple overcoat surrounded by fog with a creepy tower rising in the background.
Darkmoor Musician

 

There is a whole world of monsters waiting to greet guests in Dark Universe.  

Encounter Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and Bride of Frankenstein, curious creatures with an air of darkness.  

Ygor, Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant, is also wandering the streets of Darkmoor, as is the classic Universal movie monster, The Invisible Man.   

Other Darkmoor residents, musicians, and storytellers lurk in the streets, too, waiting to tell you tales of monsters and mystery. 

 

Dining 

 

A creepy, cave-like restaurant with red carpet, bloody statues against the wall, and waiters wearing dark clothing and makeup.
Das Stakehaus

 

Dark Universe is home to several quick-service restaurants, including Das Stakehaus.  

This vampire-run eatery is located on top of ancient catacombs, home to Darkmoor’s resident vampires.  

The clever, pun-laced menu includes sure-to-be-classics, including the “blood” orange chicken sandwich, skewered meats on a “stake,” and the Labotocotta panna cotta dessert. 

Inspired by a scene from the classic Frankenstein film, The Burning Blade Tavern is marked by a creaky old windmill that is known to burst into flames from time to time.  

Now a monster-hunter hangout, the Burning Blade Tavern serves handhelds like the Hunter’s Garlic Stake and the Charred Loaded Potato, along with signature drinks and beer. 

 

Don’t Miss 

 

Two women in lab coats apply vampire makeup to a man staring into the distance.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

 

Let your inner monster loose with a trip to Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.  

Here, you’ll be able to transform into a monster of your choosing, complete with face makeup and optional props packages.  

Don’t be spooked if you see other werewolves, stitched monsters, and vampires roaming the streets; they likely visited the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience parlor, too.  

 

Enjoy an Epic Stay at a Rosen Inn 

 

The front of Rosen Inn International against a blue sky, surrounded by green landscaping and palm trees.
Rosen Inn International

 

Did you know that three of our Rosen Inn properties are Universal Partner hotels? All four offer complimentary shuttle service to and from Universal Orlando theme parks – including Epic Universe. 

When you stay with us, you’ll also have access to clean, spacious accommodations and amenities like seasonally heated pools and onsite dining.  

And, when you stay at a Rosen Inn, you’ll never pay a resort fee.  

Check out our hotels and see which one is the best fit for your next epic vacation.